London in less than a week!

London in less than a week!

• Visiting London, Sightseeing, Top Picks

What to see when you’ve got 5 nights in our beautiful city

London is one of the most historical, cultural and vibrant cities in Europe. With so many things to do and to see, it may feel daunting to try and fit in all the sights and must-see hotspots in a city break. However, fear not weary traveller! Ivy has got you covered, with an action-packed 5-day itinerary geared to get the most out of your London vacation.

Day 1

Grab an oyster card. The most important part of your holiday (apart from your short let accommodation) is travel – London is a big city and so getting around town quickly (and without breaking the bank) is a top priority. When you arrive, you can buy an Oyster card at most stations or newsagent’s, and top it up with a pre-paid value. London travel has a daily cap on charges, thanks to Sadiq Khan, so you can keep on top of your spending when zipping through zones.

On your first day, we’d recommend you acquaint yourself with town. Have a leisurely stroll through London’s most iconic spots by heading straight to central London. Visit the Queen at Buckingham Palace, pass by Nelson in Trafalgar Square, then follow the Thames path through the city, passing the Houses of Westminster, Big Ben, the London Eye, St Paul’s, Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe, Tower Bridge and the Tower of London.

Stuck for ideas for dinner? Head to Covent Garden for a wide array of restaurants, bars, cafes and typical English pubs. With multiple tube stops close by served by all different lines, getting back to your vacation rental will be a doddle.

Day 2

Escape the buzz of the City by heading west. Immerse yourself in the lush Hyde Park, walking around the Serpentine and take a look in the Galleries for a free exhibition (perfect if you are dodging the rain). Pass by Kensington Palace, a quintessentially British home to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and make your way across to Notting Hill for some quirky eats and beautiful photos of the colourful houses, and peruse the stalls on Portobello Road market.

Day 3

How about a day of culture? London has the best museums and galleries, with something for everyone so the whole family will be entertained! Our best picks are:

• National Portrait Gallery in Trafalgar Square
• Tate Modern
• British Museum
• Somerset House
• National History Museum
• Victoria & Albert Museum

To round it all off, why not catch a show? You can find something to suit all tastes, so book yourself in for a musical, jazz club night, Shakespearian tragedy, or a drag show in Soho – London is your oyster.

Day 4

See London from the sky! Take a spin on the London Eye for a bird’s eye view of our nation’s capital. Climb The Monument – a stone column built to commemorate the Great Fire of London – and take advantage of its panoramic views. It’s £3 to enter, and 311 steps to climb, so not for the faint hearted!

Dine with a view at the OXO Tower, with spectacular views over the River Thames. If you are visiting in the summer months, try and seat on the open air terrace and watch the sunset. 

No trip is complete without a visit to The Shard, arguably one of the most iconic structures of the London skyline. Opened in 2013, this is the EU’s tallest building (for now…) at 1016 feet tall. Visit the observation desk for a view to remember, or book a table at one of its many restaurants and bars.

Day 5

Finish your trip with a spot of shopping! Oxford Circus is, of course, a tourist favourite however can also be seen as hell on earth to some. Opt for the road less travelled with a visit to Sloane Square, the chic King’s Road, hidden quirky Neal’s Yard and high-end Marylebone and Kensington High Streets.

Be sure to visit iconic stores such as Liberty’s, Fortnum & Mason’s and Harrods to tick that off your bucket list, and purchase a few edible gifts for friends, family, and most importantly yourself.

Take your card back to a ticket office or an off-licence, and get back any remaining money left on the card, plus your £5 deposit! Small change for aeroplane snacks and duty-free treats can’t be passed up.

If you’re still looking for somewhere to stay in summer 2017 there is still time to book your trip to London – contact us here at Ivy Lettings! We have over 8 years’ experience servicing London Vacation rentals. You can trust our professional service and we’d love to help with your London holiday.

Please phone us on +44 020 7349 7016 and we’d be happy to help you find the ideal holiday apartment or vacation home.

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